The anti-aging doctor taking the beauty world by storm.
Dr. Barbara Sturm is a world-famous German aesthetics doctor, widely renowned for her anti-inflammatory philosophy, her non-surgical anti-aging skincare and her creation of what the industry calls, the Vampire Facial.
Düsseldorf-based Dr. Sturm started her career as a surgeon, developing treatments for her patients using their own proteins. In 2003, she applied the same principle to develop her famed face cream, Dr. Barbara Sturm MC1, where a patient’s blood is drawn, then spun into a custom-blended cream for each patient. She expanded from there, and in 2014, her non-toxic Molecular Cosmetics skincare range was born, taking the beauty world by storm. Since then she has had A-list celebrities flocking to her clinics and a cult following that continues to grow across the globe.
We sat down with Dr. Sturm to ask her ten.
I prioritize a good night’s sleep because it has a huge influence on inflammation, the immune system, hormones, weight gain, diabetes, brain function, the skin and more.
1. Favourite slip® product?
The Silver Sleep Mask is a favourite. I prioritise a good night’s sleep because it has a huge influence on inflammation, the immune system, hormones, weight gain, diabetes, brain function, the skin and more. I’m in bed by 9PM most evenings, and always take two of my GOOD NIGHT supplements to ensure I get a full and regenerative night’s rest.
2. Juggling motherhood with work, what’s your secret to finding balance, if at all?
I think you never stop learning about motherhood. You always fall into the same pattern of feeling guilt between work and children, and you always think you should do things differently, but that’s just part of being a working mother. My children and I have a very close bond and it’s so important to have my kids close to me. Charly, my oldest daughter works with me and it’s a great pleasure to me to see her grow and evolve in the business.
3. Biggest pinch me moment in life so far?
Professionally, I cried with joy in the shower after Net A Porter agreed to take on my Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare. That was my big break.
4. Who is Dr Sturm at home?
Spending time with my daughters is so important to recharge and I love to enjoy time with my family; we’ll cook together at home using lots of anti-inflammatory fresh ingredients, play board games and do puzzles, arts, and crafts. I have a Buddhist-like outlook to life; I keep a happy spirit and try not to worry about the past and the future – it’s important to live in the present. I always have a book close by from the Indian philosopher J. Krishnamurti called ‘Freedom From The Known’ and like to pick it up and start reading anywhere - it helps me to keep my feet on the ground.
5. What do you want to be remembered for?
I always want to promote a message of love, respect and healing and it’s essential to our wellness and mental wellbeing. And as a doctor, I am constantly working with leading scientists around the world to develop new ways to improve health and longevity on all levels – not just for the skin, but the body too.
6. Life without Dr Sturm skincare - where would you be, what would you be doing? What's your sliding doors career?
My current job is my dream job. But if I wasn’t a doctor, I’d still be doing something creative. I love art, ceramics, interior design, collecting antiques and visiting markets like the Marche aux Puces in Paris, so I would love to do something involving these interests.
7. One beauty product you can't live without?
My FACE MASK is a must-have for me - I use it almost every morning and it’s truly my beauty secret when it comes to that extra boost of hydration and glow.
8. Favourite local restaurant in your hometown?
Prinzinger is a great Italian restaurant that I’ve been going to for many years in Düsseldorf. It does a delicious aubergine melanzane.
9. What is your morning ritual?
I love the mornings, I’m an early bird so I always get up early. If I get up before my kids, I try to watch the sunrise or be mindful and then fit in a quick workout, usually while I am on calls. I love to keep active - movement is essential for releasing inflammation-reducing hormones in the body. I’ll then cuddle my kids, put my FACE MASK on, have a coffee, go through my emails and get the day started.
10. What is something you are looking forward to?
I have so many exciting things coming up. I just launched a new Spa & Boutique on Madison Avenue and Mercer Street in New York, I have the very first, in-person STURM HAUS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY WORKSHOP taking place in London at the end of the month and I have some interesting new inventions coming out - new delivery methods for potent ingredients and new compounds, increasingly tailored products, and advanced procedures. We have lots of exciting things in store.
